On Thursday night, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque relayed the news from Mike Rotunda that his son Windham, better known to fans as Bray Wyatt, had passed away unexpectedly.
Reaction from fellow wrestlers was swift, with many voicing disbelief at the news that the 36-year-old’s life had been so tragically cut short.
Some of the early reactions to the news from social media:
Man…the first dude that took me under his wing when I got signed in 2009. We spent so much of our adult lives together. Praying for Jojo. Praying for his kids. I will miss your laugh & your boyish charm, my friend. Goodbye, Windham.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) August 24, 2023
I have no words.
I’m devastated.
— Amanda (@MandaLHuber) August 24, 2023
I’m just in shock. Extremely heart broken And at a loss for words. What I can say is what an amazing human being Windham is. An Amazing & kind friend. one of the most creative minds to ever walk this earth. Windham, you’ve brought so much joy and happiness to everyone around you.… pic.twitter.com/QELzyKKkNI
— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) August 24, 2023
Power and endless love to your family
Rest Cowboy pic.twitter.com/URY6zvZqBq
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) August 24, 2023
I’m trying to process this and can’t
Windham was a friend
I feel for his wife, his beautiful children, his parents, his brother, his sister and everyone else who knew what a incredible person he was.
— Corbin (@BaronCorbinWWE) August 24, 2023
When Your Great Friend And Someone Your Son’s Age Dies Within 2 Days, It Really Makes Me Reflect & Think About Life! Don’t Take Any Second For Granted! Rest In Peace Terry Funk & Bray Wyatt! pic.twitter.com/U2FpzeibmY
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 24, 2023
Im heartbroken over the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing. Always had tremendous respect and love for him and the Rotunda family. Loved his presence, promos, in ring work and connection with @wwe universe.
Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy… pic.twitter.com/i9zlbJIOL3— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 24, 2023
Lost for words. 💔 RIP
— RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) August 24, 2023
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So sad…💔
ブレイ・ワイアット選手とご遺族の皆さまにお悔やみ申し上げます。 https://t.co/ZaZi6Frm9N
— IYO SKY (@Iyo_SkyWWE) August 24, 2023
Horrible! Lost a good soul today. #RIPBray 🙏
— Damian Priest (@ArcherOfInfamy) August 24, 2023
Heartbroken is an understatement to my feelings at the moment about this news. Windham was the consummate professional, the Ultimate Teammate and a Wonderful Father, Husband, Brother, Friend and son. Always brought smiles. Me and my Family send our Condolences & Support❤️🙏🏿 https://t.co/osbvNqvUkJ
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) August 24, 2023
Devastated to hear of the passing of Windham Rotunda, Bray Wyatt. My deepest condolences to Mike, Bo, Barry and all his family. Rest well my friend.x
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 24, 2023
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Sending every bit of love I have in me to the Rotunda family. I know way too many people who have lost a child. I can only imagine the pain. I remember Windham & his brother coming to shows w/their dad when they were kids. Absolutely devastating news. 💔
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) August 24, 2023
Absolutely shattered to learn that my friend, Windham Rotunda, has passed away. It’s devastating to think he left us at only 36 years young. My condolences go out to his family, wife & children. I’m so sorry, my compeer. Miss you already. pic.twitter.com/AVNuOTjdsx
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) August 24, 2023
My heart breaks for Windham and his family. You were always so nice to us, Windham. Ever since we were kids, going trick or treating together, following our dad’s footsteps. You were always relatable, kind and humble. We will always be so grateful for your presence in our lives. https://t.co/SCrCDT7xbd
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) August 25, 2023
I'm absolutely stunned. Bray was a once in a generation storyteller and just an amazing human being. He was always so incredibly kind and welcoming. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. https://t.co/MALnAZpIhc
— Johnny Gargano (@JohnnyGargano) August 24, 2023
He will always be remembered as one of the all time greats…
Both in the ring and in the locker room.
I’m lucky to have spent time with him in both places.
My thoughts are with his family.
RIP!!! pic.twitter.com/CevnPFkSAv
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) August 24, 2023
absolutely gutted and so completely heartbroken for his family right now. rest easy Bray https://t.co/bPOmmw6eNu
— Cathy Kelley (@catherinekelley) August 24, 2023
Damn man.. Rest Easy Bray Wyatt https://t.co/fNrYqPZbU5
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 24, 2023
I can’t believe I’m typing this. But RIP Windham. I knew you day 1 of moving to America, you were the biggest sweetheart and were loved by everyone who met you. I’m in shock.. sending all my love to the Rotunda family.
— SARAYA (@Saraya) August 24, 2023
Oh my god. This is so hard to comprehend. 😭💔 https://t.co/Ap7fhwJNee
— CJ Perry (@TheCJPerry) August 24, 2023
RIP Bray-
You will be very missed my friend. You always brought the locker room many many laughs. I’m grateful for so many special moments we shared at my ring this past year. I can’t believe this. The world only saw a glimpse of your creativity. This loss is immeasurable.— TJ Wilson (@TJWilson) August 24, 2023
Bray Wyatt was such a lovely man to be around. He loved his family so much. I’m so sorry.
— DIJAK (@DijakWWE) August 24, 2023
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/S5syXPohIA
— The Realest Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) August 24, 2023
Just no fucking words. I love you Bray. I was like an uncle to them boys. I hate fucking death.
— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) August 24, 2023
One of the kindest people and creative minds that I have ever met! Man I'm gonna miss you
Rest in peace and power, Windham! #RIPBrayWyatt— Athena is ROH and All Elite! (@AthenaPalmer_FG) August 24, 2023
Every time I was able to share a locker room with Bray Wyatt was a pleasure. Always willing to give advice or just shoot the breeze and tell fun stories on the road.
My and family and I send out our prayers to the Rotunda family
Rest In Peace Wyndham #BrayWyatt
— PRIME Alexander (@CedricAlexander) August 24, 2023
My heart hurts.. brother, carnal 🙏🏼 forever in my heart..
— Samuray Del Sol® “Manny $” (@gloat) August 24, 2023
No man ever hugged me as tight as Windham did whenever we saw each other. I am completely devastated. Heartbroken.
RIP Windham 💔— nodaysoff FRED ROSSER III (@realfredrosser) August 24, 2023
I’m in a loss of words … my heart aches for Windham’s family…. RIP Bray!!! 💔
— Dana Brooke WWE (@DanaBrookeWWE) August 24, 2023
💔 Love ya, Windham. Such a tried and true brother. Always made a bad day hilarious. Deepest sympathies for the Rotunda family.
— Pat Buck (@buckneverstops) August 24, 2023
I have absolutely no words. Another friend gone too soon. My heart breaks for his beautiful family. https://t.co/BRkcIUksjS
— Jason Ayers (Blue Check Goes Here) (@JasonAyersWWE) August 24, 2023
The toughest part of this industry… is when you bond with people…. and then that bond is severed unexpectedly. RIP brudda.
I was rooting for you just like you did for me. I already missed you… but this… it's painful. Safe journey my man.
— Excellent Lee (@RealKeithLee) August 24, 2023
😢
— Michin 미친 (@MiaYim) August 24, 2023
I loved Windham Rotunda. Couldn’t NOT smile around him.
This is just no good. The Rotundas are such a great family. Sad. Just really really sad right now.
— Rob Naylor (@NINaylor) August 24, 2023
This is so sad! Windham was always an absolute gentleman with the sweetest heart! My thoughts go out to the Rotunda family 💜 https://t.co/BD70CPtDmn
— Nixon Newell (@TeganNoxWWE) August 24, 2023
It’s unfair. It’s so goddamn unfair.
I have so many fond memories of Windham…such a warm presence.
I don’t have the strength to now but thoughts of him will always make me smile.
My love is with his family whom he loved so much.
— Matthew Rehwoldt (@DramaKingMatt) August 24, 2023
Tell your people that you love them.
“Squeeze my ankle twice and I’ll go, baby!”
Rest In Power, Windham.
— Mike Mansury (@mr_mansury) August 24, 2023
Tuve la fortuna de poder compartir muchos momentos increíbles al lado de @Windham6 durante nuestro tiempo juntos en WWE.😔
Mis oraciones y condolencias para su bella familia. 🙏🏽
Love you Windham💔
¡No lo puedo creer! pic.twitter.com/sRWQkVmAxW— CintaDeOro (@CintaDeOro) August 24, 2023
Bray Wyatt was an incredible performer. One of the rare ones who changed what it was to tell stories in this medium.
He was also an amazing human- with a wonderful family. RIP to one of my favorite wrestlers- and someone I feel incredibly lucky to have met. pic.twitter.com/Qpk4uNiYUP
— Sam Roberts (@notsam) August 24, 2023
Thoughts and prayers are with the Rotunda family. Bray Wyatt left us far too soon.
— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) August 24, 2023
RIP Bray Wyatt 😔
— Cora Jade (@CoraJadeWWE) August 24, 2023
May you make it to heaven a half an hour before the devil knows.
Love ya hoot. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/lcnGpBRYYs
— REAL1 (FKA Enzo Amore) (@real1) August 24, 2023
